Bullpen Report: July 19, 2012

• Santiago Casilla blew his fifth save in his last eight chances on Wednesday evening, and although Bruce Bochy wouldn’t “commit to making an immediate change”, he acknowledged that “there does come a time with every player when you have to change it up.” Casilla has been terrible as of late, which could be attributed to the apparent blister he suffered prior to the All-Star Break, or his inability to keep balls in the park (19.4 HR/FB%). Even with the recent struggles, Casilla’s 23 saves are good enough for seventh best in the Majors and ranks him third amongst National League closers. Should the Giants make a change from within the organization, Sergio Romo and his 0.66 ERA (2.69 xFIP) and 0.73 WHIP await patiently. Rumors have also indicated that the Giants have “heavily scouted” the Royals and Cubs Triple-A affiliates, and if the price drops a bit on Jonathan Broxton, they could be interested.

• Saves chasers and hoarders have been asking which relief pitcher would assume the Padres’ closer role when the trade deadline concludes. For now, it doesn’t appear to be Luke Gregerson or Dale Thayer — the role very well could be Huston Street’s. Yes, believe it or not, Padres’ ownership has given GM Josh Byrnes the “okay” to discuss a contract extension for the veteran right-hander. While the above quotes from the Padres’ brass could be a media ploy to encourage those teams with bullpen needs to up their ante for Street, we must proceed assuming it’s the truth, or until we hear further. Street has been spectacular this season for the Friars, earning saves in each of his 15 opportunities with a 1.07 ERA (2.48 xFIP), 0.71 WHIP and a 4.25 K/BB.

• As noted in last evening’s edition of the Bullpen Report, Drew Storen was indeed activated today in time for the Nationals’ duel with the Metropolitans. Manager Davey Johnson summoned Storen from the pen in the top of the ninth with the Nationals down 9-4. Storen, who “hadn’t stood on that mound in 296 days”, retired the Mets in order on just nine pitches. Despite current closer Tyler Clippard’s recent struggles, and the return of Storen, Davey Johnson still hasn’t decided which situations he will use Storen in for the remainder of the season.

• It took Carlos Marmol 26 pitches, but he was able to earn his 11th save on the season today as the Cubs defeated the Marlins, 4-2. The hard-throwing righty gave up one earned run, on one hit, one walk and struck out two. Marmol is now 9-for-9 in save opportunities with a 1.55 K/BB dating back to June 15th.

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A Pitcher for Tomorrow: Huston Street (SD) vs. COL

With the Padres and Rockies facing off tomorrow in one of the most pitcher-friendly parks in the Majors, one could assume that Drew Pomeranz vs. Jason Marquis should default into a pitcher’s duel. Street has been fantastic this season, and figures to get a nice opportunity for a save given the previous conditions and the night off on Thursday thanks to Edinson Volquez’s complete game.